Arboretum San Antonio: A Vision for the Future
After a year of dedicated planning, a Boston-based landscape design firm has unveiled an ambitious master plan for Arboretum San Antonio, a groundbreaking tree sanctuary.
Project Overview
Located on a former golf course at 4226 S.E. Military Dr., the 200-acre arboretum aims to combine nature and community resources. The design team, led by landscape architect Anna Cawrse from Sasaki, recently shared their comprehensive plan, which promises to introduce South Texas’ first arboretum to the area.
Design Features
The master plan integrates a variety of environments and facilities, including:
- Welcome and event centers
- City and county park spaces
- A nature center and amphitheater
- A pond plaza and research fields
- An outdoor classroom and training spaces
- Great lawn and veterans grove
- Vehicle parking areas
In addition to these features, the design emphasizes a diverse canopy of nearly 40 tree and shrub species, such as the Texas persimmon and centennial live oak, flourishing along Salado Creek.
Community Engagement and Planning Process
Sasaki initially proposed three conceptual frameworks titled “Wild San Antonio,” “Testing Grounds,” and “Community Crossroads.” Each concept offered distinct opportunities for public engagement and featured various amenities to prioritize based on community feedback.
“Wild San Antonio” gained particular acclaim for its focus on restoration and immersive nature experiences, according to Thomas Corser, the founding CEO of Arboretum San Antonio.
Funding and Development Phases
The site for the arboretum, acquired through a lease agreement with Brooks in 2022, has recently expanded to include an additional 18.5 acres, which hosts the former golf clubhouse. Project costs are tentatively estimated between $30 million and $50 million. Bexar County has pledged $7.3 million in funding, with the City of San Antonio contributing $400,000 for a tree nursery. Further financial support of $25 million is sought from the city, as stated by founder Henry Cisneros.
The development will progress in phases, starting with “Phase Zero,” which involves initial fundraising efforts and establishing a base camp. Public access will commence in subsequent phases, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned to introduce building projects and open some parts of the arboretum to visitors.
Leadership Transition
As of late 2022, leadership transitioned to Adriana Quiñones, who took over from Corser. Quiñones previously served as the executive director of the Columbus Botanical Garden in Georgia, marking a new chapter in the arboretum’s development.